Corn Pasta Salad with Turkey Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing

Corn Pasta Salad That’s Gonna Change Your BBQ Game

Hey, ever been to a potluck and thought, “Ugh, why’d I bring that boring dish?” Yeah, me too. But let me tell ya, this Corn Pasta Salad with Turkey Bacon and Creamy Pesto Dressing is like the life of the party. Trust me, if you show up with this, you’ll be the hero of the day. Seriously.

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients

Alright, picture this: you’re at the grocery store, and you’re on a mission. You grab 8 oz of orecchiette pasta (or whatever short pasta you can find—it’s all good), then off to the produce section for a red bell pepper (make it nice and crunchy!) and a cup of corn kernels (like fresh or frozen, no judgment here). Oh, and don’t forget the turkey bacon; I usually snag about 4 slices. Fresh cilantro is a must—gives it that pop! You’ll also need some salt and pepper (duh), 1/3 cup of basil pesto (store-bought or homemade if you’re feeling fancy), Greek yogurt, mayo, and a lime for that zing!

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly

Okay, so here’s the thing. I started making this salad when I was trying to impress a friend (you know, the one who always brings the best food). I mixed some random ingredients one day, and bam! It was like fireworks in my mouth. I mean, who knew corn and turkey bacon could be besties? It’s super easy to whip up, and it never fails to get compliments. Plus, it’s a great excuse to use up that pesto I always have in the fridge. And hey, it’s great for meal prep too, so I can munch on it all week. Win-win, right?

(Another beautiful shot because we can’t get enough!)

The One Trick That Changes Everything

Okay, listen up! The secret? It’s gotta be the creamy dressing. Mix the Greek yogurt, mayo, and lime juice together FIRST before adding the pesto. Trust me, it makes everything so much creamier and delicious. Like, you’ll seriously thank me later.

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)

1. Cook the pasta al dente. Seriously. No one likes mushy pasta. Check it a minute or two early.
2. Squeeze that lime juice fresh. Bottled stuff just doesn’t cut it, ya know?
3. Taste as you go! Add salt and pepper to your liking; everyone’s palate is different.

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)

So, once you’ve made this masterpiece, it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3 days—if it even lasts that long! (My family demolishes it in like, a day). If you wanna keep it fresh, just add the dressing right before serving.

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too

– My Caprese Pasta Salad (trust me, it’s a hit!)
– Easy Chicken Tacos (perfect for a quick dinner)
– Zucchini Noodles with Pesto (when you’re feeling a bit healthier)

So, what’s your go-to dish for potlucks? Let’s swap recipes! 🍽️